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RCD protection in an IT run office

Former Community Member
Former Community Member
Jolly good morning all,


I am currently carrying out an EICR for an IT based company in their head offices.

Looking at the 12way  3-phase distribution board, I can see there are multiple ‘Office Sockets’ circuits labelled up on 32amp MCB’s and not a single RCD in sight. 

To my knowledge, the use of RCD’s is perhaps not required in this type of environment, but just wanted to check your opinions.


Many thanks you’s and I hope everyone is having a splendid dayV?
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  • 0
    A computer does not in itself need an RCD, an earthed or double insulated case would suffice.

    However most computers in an office are supplied via plugs and socket outlets. These socket outlets PROBABLY DO need RCD protection. This is not an absolute requirement, it may be possible to justify ommiting RCD protection by a suitable risk assesment.


    In my view, RCD protection is in practice required for most installations. I have worked as a maintenance engineer in a number of offices and observed at first hand the stupid things that are used by office staff from socket outlets, despite claims about competant supervision.


    Examples include 

    Almost anything with a 2 pin "euro plug" forced into a 13 amp socket. No fuse, no earth.

    Home made extension leads with twisted joints covered with sellotape.

    In cup water heaters that consist of two bare wires on a stick, a miniature electrode boiler in effect.

    Electric blankets.

    Portable heaters with exposed heating elements due to either damage or poor design.

    Various suspect gadgets claimed to have health benifits.


    In premises without RCD protection on office socket outlets due to being "under competant control"
Reply
  • 0
    A computer does not in itself need an RCD, an earthed or double insulated case would suffice.

    However most computers in an office are supplied via plugs and socket outlets. These socket outlets PROBABLY DO need RCD protection. This is not an absolute requirement, it may be possible to justify ommiting RCD protection by a suitable risk assesment.


    In my view, RCD protection is in practice required for most installations. I have worked as a maintenance engineer in a number of offices and observed at first hand the stupid things that are used by office staff from socket outlets, despite claims about competant supervision.


    Examples include 

    Almost anything with a 2 pin "euro plug" forced into a 13 amp socket. No fuse, no earth.

    Home made extension leads with twisted joints covered with sellotape.

    In cup water heaters that consist of two bare wires on a stick, a miniature electrode boiler in effect.

    Electric blankets.

    Portable heaters with exposed heating elements due to either damage or poor design.

    Various suspect gadgets claimed to have health benifits.


    In premises without RCD protection on office socket outlets due to being "under competant control"
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